{"id":2274,"date":"2021-06-09T14:47:50","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T18:47:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trexprotect.com\/au\/?p=2274"},"modified":"2024-04-25T11:58:31","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T15:58:31","slug":"how-to-protect-your-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trexprotect.com\/au\/blog\/how-to-protect-your-deck\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Your Deck"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we move toward summer, we look forward to sunshine on the deck and tasty meals hot off the barbie. To get ready for these glorious days, we need to protect the deck, so it lasts for many summers to come. <\/span><\/p>\n

Protecting your deck is an essential home improvement task, but it\u2019s not complicated. The three most important steps are to seal the deck, clean the deck, and protect the deck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seal Your Deck<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"Your timber deck needs extra protection. Along with using\u00a0<\/span>Trex Protect<\/span><\/a>\u00a0flashing tape during construction to cover your bearers and joists, you\u2019ll need to care for your decking boards by sealing them regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deck maintenance is critical because an unprotected deck will rot much more quickly. The best deck sealants coat the fibres, like wax on a car, so your timber can resist moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even pressure-treated timber will eventually crack and split if repeatedly exposed to water. Without protection, the timber is also prone to fungus growth and ultraviolet light. Use a deck preservative \u2014 a deck sealer or stain with clear sealer \u00adto cover and protect those top boards. A sealant is usually clear, while stain colours your timber and often gives it a richer look. Deck stain can be semi-translucent or opaque.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stain and sealant lose their ability to protect, so reapply over time. Depending on how protected your deck is from the elements and the amount of foot traffic it sees, you may have to re-stain or re-seal every year. Some newer products, however, can last longer, up to three or four years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is an easy step-by-step guide to sealing from\u00a0<\/span>Decks.com<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Check the weather<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0to be sure you\u2019ll have temperatures between 10\u00b0 and 32\u00b0C. The right temperature will ensure the best seal.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Clean off the deck surface<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 both furnishings and debris.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Sand,<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0if needed. Sanding helps ensure the sealer adequately penetrates the timber. Be sure to clean off any sawdust, even between the cracks.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Stir the sealer.<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Please do not shake it, as that may cause bubbles in the finish.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Apply the sealer<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0with a brush, paint roller, or sprayer. Apply a thin coat over a two-to-three-board section. You can always add another thin coat later as it will apply and dry better than one thick coat.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Repeat and fine-tune. Let it dry<\/span><\/strong>. Make sure the deck is completely dry before moving back the furnishings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Clean Your Deck<\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Using a pressure washer may seem like a quick and easy way to clear out all the accumulated dirt and grime; however, you need to be aware of the damage it may cause. A power washer\u2019s pressure may cause splintering and damage to the fibres if you have timber deck boards. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only make it worse. The best route is soap and water.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What about composite decking? A power washer can also scar composite boards depending on the material if the pressure is too high. If power washing becomes too intense, it can even chip the material. If you damage your composite deck with a vigorous power wash, it can affect the warranty.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you\u2019ve installed high-quality composite decking such as\u00a0<\/span>Trex<\/span><\/a>, you should wash it on a semi-annual basis. Trex recommends a basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or a combination of soap, hot water, and a soft-bristle brush. Note: The use of products containing bleach or acid will lighten the surface of Trex.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The biggest issue with power washing is the pressure. You may use a low-pressure setting to aid in your deck cleaning; however, the recommended method is to leave this to the professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    If you DIY with a power washer:<\/span><\/p>\n